July
28
Imagine stepping into a sparkling Dubai restroom and the first thing you notice is not what’s there—but what isn’t. The soft white rolls you’re used to in your home country? Sometimes replaced, sometimes a backup player. In Dubai, bathroom habits twist a little differently from what you might expect in London, New York, or Berlin. The way folks clean up after themselves can surprise newcomers, sometimes leaving travelers fumbling by the sink, a bit wet, a tad confused. For a city that’s become the poster child for global luxury—think gold-plated everything and rooftop infinity pools—its approach to the quietest of rituals is both old-school and modern.
How Toilets Work in Dubai: A Mix of East and West
Dubai lives comfortably at the intersection between East and West. When it comes to restrooms, this mix gets very literal. Most toilets—whether you’re in a shopping mall, hotel, airport, or a nice restaurant—are the familiar Western-style sit-down toilets. No need to worry about squat toilets (unless you’re way off the tourist track). Here's what you’ll find next to almost every toilet: a small metal hose on the wall, a spray bidet, also known here as a shattaf. It’s the secret weapon locals and long-timers swear by. Visitors might mistake it for a mini handheld shower or even a kitchen spray gun. But this little tool is a mainstay in Dubai bathrooms—just aim, spray, and you’re all set.
Is there toilet paper in Dubai? Absolutely. Most public and private spaces keep a roll handy, but the emphasis leans towards water for cleaning first. The water-first practice aligns with Islamic hygiene tradition, which stresses using water for purification after using the toilet. Paper usually comes after, for drying rather than actual cleaning. If you wander into a restroom and can’t spot paper, don’t panic—look for the bidet spray. And don’t be shocked if you see toilet paper in a bin, not flushed down the toilet: the city’s plumbing systems can be picky. Flushing big wads can, and sometimes does, result in unwanted drama for plumbing and pipes.
Consider Dubai’s massive multicultural expat population—everyone brings their bathroom habits from home. That means you might find fancier hotels and international spaces that cater for both preferences, often providing both high-quality paper and spotless bidet jets. It’s a country that wants everyone to feel at home, even when nature calls.
Bidet Showers: The Star of Dubai Bathrooms
The bidet spray, also called shattaf locally, pops up beside nearly every toilet and is wildly popular—even more common than toilet paper. This handy tool is a game-changer for folks used to paper alone. Curious where it comes from? The practice isn’t exclusive to Dubai. Across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, India, and large swathes of the Mediterranean, water’s the hygiene king. In Islam, cleanliness is next to godliness—literally. The Prophet Muhammad specifically advised followers always to use water after using the restroom. This tradition is so strong that the lack of a water source can be shocking to anyone raised in the region.
For first-timers, using a bidet spray can be a circus act. Hold the sprayer, aim carefully, and squeeze—start gentle. Trust me, too much pressure will leave you drenched and possibly laughing at your own expense. The water’s always cold, unless you’re somewhere fancy with a climate-controlled system, so brace yourself. In public spaces, it’s perfectly fine to dry off afterwards with a little toilet paper if it’s provided. Some places use inexpensive one-ply paper, mostly intended for drying rather than cleaning.
Why not use paper only? There are a few reasons. First, paper alone doesn’t cut it when it comes to thorough cleaning—at least, not for people used to water. Second, Dubai is smack in the middle of the desert, and historically, water has always been considered cleaner and more effective, especially in hot climates. And let’s be honest: nothing puts a damper on your holiday quite like a plumbing emergency because you flushed a fistful of thick, quilted paper.
If you stay in a top-tier Dubai hotel, you might see built-in fancy bidet seats that heat water and even air dry. But in regular places, it's the trusty spray you’ll use. Residents get so attached to these bidet sprays that expats often install them in private homes if their apartment didn’t come equipped. Home improvement shops sell them in packs, with prices starting at around 10 AED (just under $3). Handymen are pros at installing them if you’re shy about DIY work.
Where and When Will You Find Toilet Paper?
Is there ever a time you’ll go paperless in Dubai? You might if you're not careful. Most international hotels, big malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, airports, and fancier restaurants always provide both bidet spray and toilet paper. You’ll find double-layered luxury in posh places, sometimes alongside little sachets of wet wipes. Many hotel rooms even stock backup rolls below the sink or in a hidden cabinet. If you’re the type to stress about bathroom supplies, relax—the basics are nearly always covered in tourist zones.
Things get unpredictable in older buildings, smaller grocery stores, and remote public restrooms. Here’s a tip: keep a travel pack of tissues or your own toilet paper. Locals always know—especially women who’ve learned not every public bathroom will be fully stocked at all hours. The Dubai Metro has clean, frequently serviced restrooms, but paper supplies can run out during peak times. Same goes for souks or open-air markets, where the public toilets prioritize the shattaf and only stock paper sporadically.
Don’t forget the bin rule. Plenty of public restrooms have clear signs asking you to toss paper in the trash, not the toilet. This keeps the pipes clear and avoids flooding—a risk in older buildings not designed for heavy-duty paper use. Watch for laminated reminders above the flush button or discreet bins in every stall. It’s one of those little differences that travelers remember (especially the first time you’re caught reaching for a roll that isn’t there).
| Location | Toilet Paper? | Bidet Spray? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star Hotels | Yes | Yes | Luxury brands, premium paper and bidet |
| Dubai Mall | Yes | Yes | Always clean, restocked often |
| Public Parks | Sometimes | Yes | Paper can run out, bring tissues |
| Metro Stations | Usually | Yes | Frequent cleaning, check before use |
| Old Souks | Rarely | Yes | Always carry backup tissues |
Hygiene, Etiquette, and Shopping: What to Know on Your Trip
Every traveler wants to look like a pro, whether you're out exploring Dubai Creek or about to have rooftop drinks in Jumeirah. Bathroom etiquette is its own world here. Always leave the facilities tidy—don’t leave puddles or soaked toilet paper behind. Locals are particular about hygiene, and there’s little patience for mess. Want to be extra polite? Give a quick wipe of the area if you splashed while using the bidet spray.
Where do you buy toilet paper in Dubai? It’s everywhere: supermarkets, corner shops, massive hypermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu, even small convenience stores. International brands like Kleenex, Andrex, Lotus, and local options fill the shelves. Prices start lower than in Western Europe, but luxe imported brands cost much more. Dubai’s expat population means you might see Japanese roll options, Turkish triple-ply, and other curiosities in larger stores. Many expats stick to familiar brands for peace of mind, especially if sensitive skin’s a concern.
Some helpful tips for newcomers:
- Carry a mini pack of tissues or pocket-size paper rolls just in case—especially on day trips or when visiting outside downtown Dubai.
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask for toilet paper if you can’t find any; most staff will hand some over with a smile.
- Respect signs instructing you to put paper in the bin instead of flushing—plumbing is not forgiving in older properties.
- Practice using the bidet spray before you’re in a rush or awkward situation. There’s a learning curve but it becomes second nature fast.
- Don’t worry about cultural taboos—both men and women use bidet sprays, and there’s no shame about bathroom talk in daily life.
Dubai's approach to hygiene actually feels ahead of the curve. Studies during the pandemic showed that bidet use, with proper handwashing, often reduces the spread of germs compared to dry paper alone. Some locals even describe feeling “cleaner” and “fresh all day”—not a bad endorsement. In hotels and posh offices, you’ll spot high-end Japanese toilets straight out of a tech showroom. These smart seats have heated water, air dryers, music, even automatic lids. This tech trend is catching on, but the trusty shattaf still rules the everyday bathroom.
When using public bathrooms, be aware that left hand use for cleaning is a cultural tradition in the Middle East and South Asia. Locals consider the right hand for eating, the left for, well, everything toilet-related. It’s just a subtle point of etiquette if you ever notice the difference during meals or sharing food. In group settings, don’t make a fuss or joke about bathroom habits—people take hygiene seriously, but as long as you’re clean, you fit right in.
Dubai Escort
Write a comment